From the time Māui used the wisdoms of Murirangawhenua and founded this land-mass, lifted Hikurangi from the sea, and captured time and light, Te Tairāwhiti has been the home of challenge, synchronicity, and innovation. We are natural artists by absorption as a consequence of living this context.
Set at the confluence of the Taruheru, Waimata and Tūranganui rivers - this is an invitation to explore the edges of the Tairāwhiti flair at our premiere opening night event – Māui Pūtahi.
Produced by local creative powerhouse, director and artist, Teina Moetara, Māui Pūtahi celebrates diversity of language, form and culture. This event is part performance, part ceremony, part interactive experience, and is alchohol-free. So, bring a blanket, a picnic, and an appetite for local stories, exceptionally told.
"There is nothing novice about the first ever Tairāwhiti Arts Festival Opening, Maui Pūtahi, kicking off a month of theatre, dance, art, film and installation. Tamariki, rangatahi and pakeke are all oohing and aaaahing at the lights, the wai and the voices weaving together a magical evening.
"It is relaxed festival vibes... People flow freely between the banks of Taruheru awa...The running theme is life as art and art as life with its darkness and light; that we are all creators and storytellers. Art provides space to release and contemplate.
“There is a Maui inside of each of us. To be challenged, to fail and to push through. Turanga, Te Tairāwhiti, marangai mai, maranga mai.”
- Nikau Hindin, Theatreview.
